First Time (Star Trek: TOS zine)/Issues 31-40

Issues 1-10 · Issues 11-20 · Issues 21-30 · Issues 31-40 · Issues 41-50 · Issues 51-60 · Issues 61-64

Issue 31

front cover issue #31, 1st edition, Chris Soto: "Finally, a return to the good ol' days where a cover actually features both Kirk and Spock! Not only are they both presented on both these covers, but they actually are depicted as two people involved in a relationship. Though the lines of the illo on the front cover are rather light, I applaud the presentation of two people in love. The back cover is my favorite, as not only are the feelings clearly there, but the expression on their faces indicate their awareness that they may have some struggles to overcome while traveling the road of happiness. This illo also has an innocence about it, and I'm not sure if that stems from their youthful faces or the simplicity of their nudity.

"Beautifully rendered and filled with mood, these two pieces art just great. The cover shows vary accurate profiles (no easy task mind you!) and vary atmospheric as they stand together in the ocean and the palm trees actually swaying in the breeze."

"The front cover is Spock and Kirk holding each other while standing in a lake or ocean. They are just looking at each other. Here I really can't imagine what they are thinking. It's a puzzling picture. That's not a criticism. I can see some good writer using this picture as inspiration, and I really want to read the story if someone does it."

back cover issue #31, 1st edition by Chris Soto: "The back cover is gorgeous also. Their expressions are dreamy and thoughtful and I love the positioning of the bodies. The starry background completes the mood and is perfect for these two star travelers. Two of my favorites of Soto's consistently fine work."

"The back cover, which I like best, shows them holding each other against a background of stars. Here, both are looking off into space obviously (to me) not seeing anything but their own thoughts or perhaps they are just enjoying the wonder of each other. The faces are great, very expressive."

First Time 31 was published in 1991 and contains 186 pages.

The covers are by Chris Soto. Interior art is by Dragon, Chris Soto.

• Cover Up by Kay Wells ("Kirk is on a stakeout with a fellow captain for a Romulan spy when the man tries to seduce him-something he had tried years before without success.") (This story was plagiarized from Breaking Cover.) (4)
• The Kiss by Penny Wise ("Spock realizes Kirkʼs love for him after he starts picking up mental emanations through their link of the erotic dreams Kirk is having of them together.") (26)
• Verdant Wishes, poem by Belle (34)
• I Lost Myself, poem by Belle (35)
• All the Right Moves by Gena Moretti ("While a cadet, Kirk begins a series of chess games with an unknown opponent when they both use the same small alcove in the library.") (36)
• Moves, poem by Sue Cameron (57)
• Touching by Karla Kelly ("Kirk challenges Spock to a game of poker whose ante is “touches”.") (58)
• Check and Mate by Elizabeth Kay ("Kirk and Spock get stuck in the turbolift for 7 hours, time enough for their emotions to be declared to each other.") (64)
• Righthand Man by Barbara Taylor ("After Kirk is slightly injured on a landing party, Spock seems to withdraw from him, just as he is beginning to confront his own feelings for Spock.") (76)
• Humor Most Difficult, poem by H.R. Radei (86)
• Sirens & Soldiers, pen by Ruth Relons (87)
• Whither Thou Goest by Carolyn Spencer ("Kirk is used as bait for the Romulan commander to get Spock to go with her where she has Spock tortured, not knowing of the link that he and Kirk share.") (88)
• Consent, poem by Robin Hood (129)
• Ordeal by Consent by Ciana Mitchell ("Kirk and Spock are taken prisoner by a Klingon bird-of-prey after being forced down on a small planet, where Kirk uses his body to trade for medical help for Spock who was injured in the crash.") (130)

• 

  from issue #31, sample poem and illo, "I Lost Myself", by Belle

• 

  from issue #31, art by Dragon for "The Kiss"

• 

  from issue #31, first page of Ordeal by Consent - Ciana Mitchell, sample text

• 

  from issue #31, the inside back cover, art by Chris Soto for "Trial by Ordeal" -- "The inside back cover goes with the story "Ordeal by Consent" by Ciana Mitchell. It shows them after ST:TMP along with a new character named Khylar. This is an interesting picture with all three people looking in different directions. It means nothing until you read the story."

• 

  from issue #31, sample poem and illo

• 

  from issue #31, title page of Wither Thou Goest (Star Trek: TOS story by Carolyn Spencer)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 31

See reactions and reviews for Ordeal by Consent.

See reactions and reviews for All the Right Moves.

See reactions and reviews for Whither Thou Goest.

See reactions and reviews for Check and Mate.

See reactions and reviews for Cover Up.

See reactions and reviews for The Kiss.

See reactions and reviews for Righthand Man.

See reactions and reviews for Touching.

Issue 32

front cover issue #32, 1st edition by Lori Lee: "Why haven't I seen more of this artist's work? Beautiful nude reclining Spock! I would have loved to see this one in color!"

back cover of issue #32, Lori Lee: "The covers for FIRST TIME 32 by Lori Lee are gorgeous. I really like the Kirk on the back. I can't quite figure out Spock's expression. Maybe it'll inspire a story? Kirk's face I love. His eyes are wonderful.

First Time 32 was published in 1992 and contains 171 pages.

The art is by Lori Lee (covers), Anne Marie Smith, Deeb, and DEW/Kay Wells.

From the editorial:

Welcome to the 32nd issue of a one shot zine. Yeah, and if you buy that, I have some swampland in Arizona for sale,too! Well, it does get worrisome to keep coming up with editorial after editorial, (and no, I don't know why I'm still doing them)

Nice covers, eh? Well, the Spock (in color) is still available for sale. Just let me know!

Lori Lee has been improving and improving and we encourage her to lock up the kid and get back to work! Must be that nice husband of hers.... Hmmm!

Not a lot of art, (but we're damn grateful for what we have!) The things I have are specific and need specific stories written for them. If you're running out of ideas (and with this wonderful literature available how could you run out of ideas??) drop me a note and I'll send you some art to work with. Maybe that will help lift your pen!

Okay, about up and coming (ohhhh) zines. NOVELS, novels, novels, (you're gonna love em!) WTM6, SS4, PF4, and FT. Seems like enough to keep me off the streets, eh? (or enough to put me there??) Ah, well, it's a good hobby, none-the-less.

FT 32 -- as usual, we have several new writers, one from Germany as well as well as the ones you've been loving for years. So be kind, and remember to send in LOC's to the LOC Connection! SASE me for the address or look in old issues.

• Editorial
• Animal Passions, fiction by Emily Adams ("Kirk is injured soon after he and Spock finish their wildlife observations.") (1)
• 5,654, fiction by Pat Roklos ("Kirk proves his qualification to be included in the next landing party by recalibrating the tricorder to count the hairs on Spockʼs chest.") (16)
• A Doctor, poem by Patt (20)
• And I Think of You, poem by Sharon Travis (21)
• Love & Lies, fiction by Royal Stewart Montgomery ("Spock receives a message he believes is from Sarek informing him of his newly secured bondmate, just as Kirk has decided to tell Spock of his feelings for him.") (22)
• First Time... Again, fiction by Jacquie Renee ("Kirk and his crew are rescued by Vulcans before they can be extradited to Earth for the Genesis affair in order to allow Kirk to help his bondmate regain his memories after the fal tor pan.") (42)
• The Best is Yet to Come, fiction by Jean Gabriel ("After a conversation while camping in Yosemite, both Kirk and Spock separately come to the realization that they love one another, but each is unsure of the otherʼs feelings.") (52)
• Thoughts, poem by Patt (81)
• That Sweet Used to Be, fiction by Karla Kelly ("Kirk realizes that Spock is in pon farr, and even though Spock is at Gol they are mentally drawn to each other.") (82)
• Decide, poem by Patt (89)
• Rainy Days, fiction by Sharon Travis ("Kirk misses Spock while heʼs on Earth during his shore leave, but then he gets an unexpected visitor.") (90)
• Magic, fiction by Penny Wise ("Kirk fantasizes about Spock and unknowingly sends his feelings to Spock through their link.") (92)
• Names & Faces, poem by Jenna Sinclair (108)
• Not Men Apart, fiction by Kathy Stanis ("Beaming down to the planet Gaia, Kirk and Spock find themselves in an area that causes relaxed, though energized states.") (110)
• Order of the Elite, fiction Kay Wells ("Kirk and McCoy beam down to Vulcan to witness a ceremony by the group Spock wishes to join, but Kirk is angered when he discovers that it would mean that Spock would never bond.") (122)
• Raptures of the Deep, poem by Mildred Manhill (149)
• Warriors, fiction by Sharon Travis ("Kirk goes to Spockʼs cabin and they bond, but then Kirk awakens to find it was a dream.") (150)
• Grow Up, poem by Patt (152)
• Now, Always, and Forever, poem by Sharon Travis (153)
• Stone & Steel, poem by Mildren Manhill (153)
• Equilibrium, fiction by Kate Singer ("Kirk has trouble sleeping after the incident with the Romulans.") (154)
• The Recipe, poem by Jackie Meadows (169)
• Alone, poem by Jackie Meadows (169)
• He Is..., poem by Jackie Meadows (inside back cover)

• 

  from issue #32, DEW

• 

  from issue #32, DEW

• 

  from issue #32, DEEB

• 

  from issue #32, DEW

• 

  from issue #32, Anne Marie Smith

• 

  from issue #32, sample poem

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 32

See reactions and reviews for Equilibrium.

See reactions and reviews for Warriors.

See reactions and reviews for Order of the Elite.

See reactions and reviews for Not Men Apart.

See reactions and reviews for Magic.

See reactions and reviews for Rainy Days.

See reactions and reviews for Animal Passions.

See reactions and reviews for 5,654.

See reactions and reviews for Love and Lies.

See reactions and reviews for First Time... Again.

See reactions and reviews for The Best is Yet to Be.

See reactions and reviews for That Sweet Used to Be.

[Rainy Days]: I liked the idea in this short-short vignette that Kirk is ashamed for taking "unfair advantage -- if only in my mind". Good depiction of Kirk's thoughts. However, I can't see Spock kissing Kirk at the threshold of Mrs. Kirk's home.

[That Sweet Used to Be]: This pre-ST:TMP vignette is one of the author's strongest pieces. Nice, tight writing with lots of intensity. It was obvious to any seasoned K/Ser what was happening to Kirk, but I really liked the way Spock kept mentally insisting Kirk was a product of his imagination. That's just like Spock.

[That Sweet Used to Be]: Excellent! Reality, recollections and mental dialogues are so skillfully mingled it's a treat to read it! Kirk and Spock experience pon farr, but Kirk is on Earth and Spock at Gol — it's fantastic and very erotic!

Issue 33

front cover issue #33, 1st edition, Kay Wells -- The editor mentions in the zine's foreword that she has "these fellows since 1990."

back cover issue #33, 1st edition by Kay Wells: "I love this Spock. Very much Spock, yet he looks like Sarek's son. Quite an accomplishment. whether intended or not. A really fine, light touch to the drawing also: good background device: nice hair."

First Time 33 was published in 1992 and contains 153 pages.

Interior art by Billie Phillips, C. Meyers [This is NOT the same person as Christine Myers ], and Chris Soto.

• Primitive Cultures by Kay Wells ("On a planetʼs primitive enclave, Spockʼs reaction to their blatant sexuality goads Kirk into going with a native man.") (4)
• Truth, poem by Jackie Meadows (14)
• Desert Rose, poem by Linda Frankel (15)
• Deeper into the Heart by Kathy Stanis ("On a camping trip in Yosemite, Kirk and Spock realize their love for one another.") (16)
• Lute or Leaf, poem by Linda Frankel (23)
• Sacrifices of the Heart by Elizabeth Kay ("Kirkʼs plan to change TʼPauʼs mind regarding his and Spockʼs bonding fails and ends up causing Spock to reject him.")
• Soul Searching by Kate Singer ("Spock must find a way for both Kirkʼs to accept their reunification after Kirk is split by a transporter malfunction.") (66)
• Image,poem by Jackie Meadow (82)
• Doorways by Jenna Sinclair ("In a meld with Spock, Kirk recalls his “lesson” when the unit he was in as a cadet is abducted by slavers.") (84)
• Kismet, poem by Sharon Travis (112)
• On Being Invisible, poem by Jackie Meadows (113)
• The Journal by Carolyn Spencer ("Spock ends up in 1885 with the Jim Kirk of that time, an ancestor of his bond-mate.") (114)
• Someday, poem by Patt (inside back cover)

• 

  from issue #33, Billie Phillips for "Sacrifices of the Heart" - "Finery drawn in pencil, this Kirk ha s personality! Plus big,beautiful (and color depending up on his mood) eyes framed by those sweeping lashes. Good mouth - it's very difficult to capture correctly."

• 

  from issue #33, C. Meyers - this is NOT Christine Myers for "Sacrifices of the Heart" -- "Spock wears a beautifully realized bejeweled outfit and I love the eerie Vulcan background. Kirk sports those gorgeous long eyelashes! Nicely done."

• 

  from issue #33, C. Meyers - this is NOT Christine Myers for "Sacrifices of the Heart"

• 

  from issue #33, Chris Soto for "Doorways"

• 

  from issue #33, title page for a story

• 

  from issue #33, sample poetry

• 

  from issue #33, first page of the handwritten story "The Journal"

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 33

See reactions and reviews for Doorways.

See reactions and reviews for Sacrifices of the Heart.

See reactions and reviews for The Journal.

See reactions and reviews for Soul Searching.

See reactions and reviews for Deeper into the Heart.

See reactions and reviews for Primitive Cultures.

[Deeper into the Heart]: A short story told in two parts. The first being a dream that Spock has told as a poem. The second part is the camping trip of STV and Kirk's declaration of love for the Vulcan after Spock relates the dream. Because the writing is so careful and precise, this seemingly rather abrupt turn of events, albeit after all their years together, is quite believable. And the fact that this revelation is made later in life, makes it all the more poignant. One realty believes Spock would so carefully and beautifully inquire of his Captain: "I had a dream about you that was very meaningful to me. May I tell you of it?" This is definitely one author who can pull it off. Plus, I adored the ending lines: "Spock said into the darkness, 'Life is not a dream." Or is it?"

Issue 34

back cover issue #34, 1st edition by DEW: "Fine, dynamic -- hot stuff. Looks like a pretty nice kind of 'safe sex' going on."
The photo reference DEW/Wells used (or the art itself) is the same one that was utilized in 2000 by Suzan Lovett here.

front cover issue #34, 1st edition by DEW

First Time 34 was published in 1992 and contains 153 pages.

• One Night's Compromise by Sylvia Bond ("Spock requests a transfer when he realizes that his and Kirkʼs relationship is nearing the point of taking that last step, but Kirk is unwilling to lose so easily.") (10 pages)
• Heroes by Karla Kelly ("After their run-in with the forms of Lincoln and Surak, Kirk wonders if either man was ever truly happy and decides to offer Spock what they never had.") (10 pages)
• Dreamscape by Bryan Taylor ("The radiation that is causing madness in the inhabitants of a planet creates dreams of hidden desires in the crew of the Enterprise.") (25 pages)
• The Power of Suggestion by Barbara Taylor ("An overheard conversation gets Kirk thinking even more about Spock than he already does.") (4 pages)
• Tidal Wave by Pandora H. ("Spock is dismayed when Kirk returns from a month away from the ship with a new female crewmember in tow, making his growing desire for the captain since his aborted pon farr harder to control.") (15 pages)
• The Most Primitive Organ by Jane Yambe ("Kirk is disturbed by something, and Spock is determined to find out about what.") (2 pages)
• The Match by Penny Wise ("Kirk and Spock are forced to participate in a ship-wide test that uses a computer program to match compatibility in order to find ones perfect mate.") (11 pages)
• Musical Beds by Kay Wells ("After a night of drinking, Kirk awakens in Spockʼs bed and fears he has sexually assaulted his first officer.") (10 pages)
• Human... and from the Stars by Shelley Butler ("The day before heʼs to take command of the Enterprise, a malfunctioning ship finds Kirk crashed on Vulcan and five thousand years in its past.") (17 pages)
• No Witnesses by Kate Singer ("Spock has a hidden lover whose fatal illness results in Spock taking extended leave from the Enterprise, raising fears in Kirk that he is losing the Vulcan.") (38 pages)
• Silhouettes, poem by Mildred Manhill
• Going Through The Motions, poem by Ciana Mitchell
• Coming, poem by Karla Kelly
• Three Faces of Love, poem by Mildred Manhill
• The Gift, poem by Patti Byther
• A Stranger Met, poem by Ciana Mitchell
• Dancin', poem by Ciana Mitchell

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 34

See reactions and reviews for No Witnesses.

See reactions and reviews for Human... and from the Stars.

See reactions and reviews for Musical Beds.

See reactions and reviews for The Match.

See reactions and reviews for The Primitive Organ.

See reactions and reviews for Tidal Wave.

See reactions and reviews for The Power of Suggestion.

See reactions and reviews for Dreamscape.

See reactions and reviews for Heroes.

See reactions and reviews for One Night's Compromise.

[The Most Primitive Organ]: This was a pretty good shortie.

[zine]:

The latest I have seen of the long-running K/S series from Robin Hood, one of fandom's most prompt and reliable editors.

[About some stories]: Unable to remain on the Enterprise with his hopeless love (or Kirk), Spock requests a transfer.

An anomaly causes dream-fantasies in the Enterprise crew (McCoy's vision of Uhura would not be easy to explain to that young woman!), and Kirk has to face his fear of being alone.

Spock discovers that jealousy can sometimes have a positive result.

A new computer experiment is designed to select compatible ships crews - but can also find the perfect mate.

A night out with Scotty leaves Kirk with a bad hangover - and a guilty conscience.

Thrown back into Vulcan's past when his shuttle crashes. Kirk meets a powerful Warlord, (This story contains very explicit detail, and has the weakness of offering no explanation for Kirks eventual return to his own time.) Spock takes extended leave to be with his dying lover. Kirk suddenly realises that he might not return, and unaware of his reasons, beams down to find him. Although involving an outsider, I nevertheless enjoyed this story.

This zine included two points that have irritated me from time to time over the years. Why, pray, would there be a Vulcan Embassy ON VULCAN? And why is it so difficult to portray McCoy as concerned without making him nosey? Doctor or not, an uninvited intrusion into a friend's private quarters is stepping over the bounds. Apart from this, the zine has much to offer the K/S reader, though of course anyone opposed to the subject should avoid it The series in general covers a wide range of subjects and author, and as with all Robin's zines, is supplied promptly.

The covers show a nude Kirk and Spock on the front. Kirk standing behind Spock; on the back cover they are embracing. Again, don't open over the breakfast table.

Issue 35

front cover issue #35, 1st edition, Caren Parnes. -- "They are breathtaking. Now, I’m not an artist and don’t know the technical reasons why they are gorgeous, but they are. The front is Kirk; the back is Spock. Both are shown from the chest up, unencumbered by clothing and morphed into a puma (Kirk) and a wolf (Spock). A majestic eagle perches on Kirk’s shoulder as the sun blazes overhead. A hawk surveys his moonlit domain from above Spock. Light and dark. Power and strength. Courage and wisdom. The stuff of legends. Both are half-enclosed in ovals and would look great in your living room."

back cover of issue #36, Caren Parnes -- "Why hasn’t someone mentioned these covers?? Maybe I missed it. They are breathtaking. Now, I’m not an artist and don’t know the technical reasons why they are gorgeous, but they are. The front is Kirk; the back is Spock. Both are shown from the chest up, unencumbered by clothing and morphed into a puma (Kirk) and a wolf (Spock). A majestic eagle perches on Kirk’s shoulder as the sun blazes overhead. A hawk surveys his moonlit domain from above Spock. Light and dark. Power and strength. Courage and wisdom. The stuff of legends. Both are half-enclosed in ovals and would look great in your living room. They are reminiscent of portraits of Native Americans in their wilderness habitats, but each retains his individuality and is splendidly himself."

First Time 35 was published in May 1993 and contains 177 pages.

The covers are by Caren Parnes, the interior art by Shelley Butler.

From the editorial:

You have the new issue of FT in your hands are staring at an artist's work you haven't seen in a long time (on a K/S zine), well, if you guessed Caren Parnes or didn't have any idea (since it's been so long....) you're right (or forgiven, whichever). Yep, she' s back!Welcomehomethetalented lady!(it only took a while for her to recover.) And she's busy working on more! I had planned to sell the Spock but it got taken even before I got to a con. Ah, such is life!

• Eye of the Firestorm, fiction by J S Cavalcante ("After being rejected by TʼPring, Spock feels himself going back into the fever and asks Kirk to accept his resignation so he can return to Vulcan.") (4)
• The Last Hunt, fiction by Alice Hooker ("Kirk is upset when he learns that the diplomat the Enterprise is to transport is the same man Kirk was assigned to as a cadet and who drugged him to be used sexually by another male.") (30)
• Second Chance, poem by Patti Byther (71)
• A Logicial Courtship, fiction by Anne Marie ("When Spock informs him that TʼPau is looking for another bondmate for him, Kirk applies but must now re-win Spock after avoiding him while waiting to be accepted.") (72)
• One Night's Reflection in San Francisco, poem by Patti Byther (89)
• A Love Found in Time, fiction by Shelley Butler ("While helping Vulcan researchers collect Vulcan history from the Guardian, Spock is accidentally thrown into Vulcanʼs past when the landing party is attacked by smugglers.") (90)
• Stop, poem by Patti Byther (129)
• A Veil of Unshed Tears, poem by Patti Byther (129)
• Blue Courage, fiction by Kay Wells ("Kirk, thinking theyʼre going to die before help can arrive, talks Spock into making love while marooned on an unknown planet.") (130)
• To My Beloved, poem by Patti Byther (176)
• Shoulder to Shoulder, poem by Patti Byther (inside back cover)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 35

See reactions and reviews for Eye of the Firestorm.

See reactions and reviews and reviews for Blue Courage.

See reactions and reviews and reviews for The Last Hunt.

See reactions and reviews and reviews for A Logical Courtship.

See reactions and reviews and reviews for A Love Found in Time.

[page 110a, art by Shelley Butler] Wow! What a wonderful Spock! He looks so vivid, that I'd like to touch him. I love this picture!

Issue 36

front cover issue #36, 1st edition

back cover of issue #36, 1st edition by DEW

First Time 36 was published in July 1993 and contains 180 pages.

• The Tirizan by J.S. Cavalcante, art by DEW ("At a diplomatic reception, a Betazoid diplomat “feels” the unexpressed love between Kirk and Spock and decides to do something about it. Sequel: Tinzandi.") (4)
• Surveillance by Elizabeth Scott, art by Elizabeth Scott ("Kirk has a hard time keeping his feelings to himself when he and Spock go on surveillance duty.") (18)
• Surveillance, poem by Robin Hood (42)
• Cliches - Pandora H, art by Chris Soto (Continuous interruptions as Kirk and Spock attempt to bond.") (44)
• Dim the Flame, poem by Patt (69)
• The Bet by Karla Kelly ("Exasperated with his science officerʼs lack of empathy for his aroused state, Kirk bets Spock that the Vulcan cannot go the whole day with a hard-on.") (70)
• Games, poem by Patt (77)
• The Conversation by Jamie Belle ("Kirk wants a conversation with Spock regarding human biology.") (78)
• Never Again, poem by Patt (81)
• Don't You Remember? by Kathy Stanis ("During their trip into Earthʼs past to retrieve the whales, Kirk hopes that a meld between them with restore Spockʼs memories.") (82)
• untitled poem by Patt (86)
• The Web, poem by Sue Cameron (87)
• Look to the Heart by Judith Coventry, art by Shelley Butler ("To recuperate from his injury sustained during the Babel conference, Kirk is invited to Vulcan by Sarek and Amanda and while there, discovers a member of Spockʼs family he did not know existed.") (88)
• Fragile Hands, poem by Robin Hood (233)
• The Need for Stars by Carolyn Spencer ("After years of refusing the bond, Spockʼs death makes Kirk realize what he had been asking of his lover, and with Spockʼs revival, what he will ask for now.") (134)
• Second Star to the Right - Kay Wells, art by DEW ("At the end of the Khitomer peace process, Kirk and Spock finally admit to their feelings for one another as they return to Earth to face retirement.") (156)
• Safe, poem by Patt (inside back cover)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 36

See reactions and reviews for The Need for Stars

See reactions and reviews for The Tirizan

See reactions and reviews for Second Star to the Right

See reactions and reviews for Look to the Heart

See reactions and reviews for Don't You Remember?

See reactions and reviews for The Conversation

See reactions and reviews for The Bet.

See reactions and reviews for Cliches

See reactions and reviews for Surveillance

[art on page 149 by Shelley Butler]: Wow! This is the first piece of work I've seen by this new artist, and it just blew me away! As the old saw goes, I don't know much about art, but I know what I like, and this is what I like! This rendering of Spock with long flowing hair is set very imaginatively against a panorama of stars and includes visions of the magnificent bod (Leonard should ever have looked so good!), as if seen in a mirror. I'm addicted to long-haired Spocks, and this one is done superbly, and in a very creative manner.

[art on page 149 by Shelley Butler]: Shelley Butler has done a nude Spock drawing which is fabulous. I hope she does a Kirk some time that's as beautiful. Of course, she cheated a little by fixing it so she didn't have to draw Spock's face. But then. I realty don't think most of us are going to be looking at the face anyway.

Issue 37

front cover issue #37, 1st edition by Deeb: "It was quite a shock when I saw the cover of FIRST TIME 37. There, staring at me from the cover of a zine was the same picture that I see every single day, several times, from where it hangs in my closet (That sacred place where all K/S artifacts are... kept. My husband calls it my shrine and claims I worship there.) The picture of Spock with his lyre is one of my all time favorites, and I had the pleasure of purchasing the original back in June of 1991, at the twenty-fifth anniversary convention. Deeb's style of strong black ink (I know nothing about art, guys, forgive my naive inaccuracies) is especially suited to pictures of Spock. I think. And this is a wonderful Spock, with strength and character and a little touch of humor shown beautifully in that exquisite curve of his lips. .. Sigh. Bravo. Deebl I still love that picture, and now everybody else can enjoy It too.

front & back covers issue #37, 1st edition

First Time 37 was published in 1993 and contains 150 pages.

• The Perfect Day - Lee Owers Sansome. (Kirk treats Spock to a perfect day and then for dinner takes him to an exotic restaurant where he has “something special” for Spock. "As they passed, once more, through the ornate gates of the Botanical Gardens on their way back to the city, Commander Spock of Vulcan stole a glance at his companion. Captain James T. Kirk strolled casually beside him, hands thrust deep into the pockets of his loose cotton pants. Kirk looked relaxed and happy, head held high to face the last rays of sunshine in what had been a glorious day.") (15 pages)
• Double, Double - Karla Kelly. (Spock is split in two, one male, one female, during an ion storm and finds his desire for Kirk is the needed catalyst to reunite him. "Captain, I'm getting another Vulcan reading!" Kirk's eyes never left the shimmering form on the transporter platform. "Lock on to it," he ordered, voice harsh. The ship lurched and the translucent light that was the First Officer blinked off and on, fading only to be reestablished seconds later.") (8 pages)
• Bright Flame - Katie Berman. (After being held captive together Spock and Sulu become lovers, unaware that both have ulterior motives and that itʼs tearing Kirk apart. "In one month's time the first five year mission would be over and for the first time in his life Spock had no idea what he was to do.") (31 pages)
• A Timely Story - Karla Kelly. (In Vulcanʼs past without his memory, Spockʼs only link to his own time is his pleasure slave, Jim, who is aware of who they really are but needs Spock and his memories to get them back. "He loves to play with my hair, winding it around his fingers, looping it over my ears, chewing on it. He can spend hours combing and braiding it. This symbol of my refusal to fight again now reaches below my ass. His is just to his shoulder.") (5 pages)
• Yes, He Said, Yes - Kathy Stanis. (Kirk and Spock are lovers but Kirk refuses to meld during sex until, raped by his own body while trapped in Janice Lesterʼs, he realizes the difference love can make. "With one last long hard thrust Spock felt inside and outside become one dazzling radiating wave of nerve- overloading and sense-dissolving release, but the whimpering groan that limped out of his mouth was a pale echo of the howls of ecstacy which had at first spilled out to flood his joinings with Kirk like a river of hot intoxicating musk.") (11 pages)
• The Flavor of Gold - Sylvia Bond. (Spock follows Kirk after finding out that Kirk took an undercover assignment while on shoreleave. "He walked briskly through the maze of streets, and tried to shut out the roar of the city, the clatter of voices and footsteps, and the ever present high pitched, slightly off-key sound of rain spluttering against a million square feet of transparent aluminum, steel and concrete. It hadn't taken him long to deduce where Kirk had gone, once he'd spoken to McCoy.") (81 pages)
• POETRY by Cybel Harper, Janis E. Laine, Kathy Stanis
• COVERS by Deeb.
• ART by Shelley Butler, Fiona Graves, Chris Soto

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 37

See reactions and reviews for The Flavor of Gold.

See reactions and reviews for The Perfect Day.

See reactions and reviews for Yes, He Said, Yes.

See reactions and reviews for A Timely Story.

See reactions and reviews for Bright Flame.

See reactions and reviews for Double, Double.

[art on page 70 and 71 by Fiona Graves]: I firmly believe that old adage "the eyes are the windows to the soul." Here in this portrait of Kirk, the eyes pull you in and hold your attention, then pull you in even deeper. The overall effect is one of a candidly pensive moment; Kirk in thought or even daydreaming a little. Very mellow, very gentle.

[art on page 151 by Shelley Butler]: Only a partial face appears in this hauntingly lifelike drawing. It’s like looking through a keyhole. Kirk’s face is above the field of vision, his head thrown back in surrender as Spock leans in to nuzzle his neck. There is such strength here! So frequently we seem to unconsciously portray one of this team as weaker — there’s no evidence of that here! I could gaze endlessly through this particular keyhole at these familiar masculine bodies, that reveal nothing and everything — EVERYTHING — at the same time. Marvelously erotic.

[Bright Flame]: Usually I don't care for stories where Spock is involved with a crew member (and I can't imagine him with Sulu), but this story is so well written , that it doesn't matter! I loved especially the shore leave and Spock's Pon Farr.

Issue 38

back cover of issue #38, 1st edition -- "Typically wonderful Chris Soto covers. The delicate touch is so immediately recognizable that the artist hardly needs to sign her name at this point. The back cover of Kirk reclining was perfect. The intent expression and well-done body proportions on our captain had my fingers itching to pull away that concealing sheet. On second thought, I'll leave that job to a certain Vulcan. But the front cover was my favorite... Spock's face, chest, arms, and long, eloquent hands are bathed in light while the black of the background fades into the black robe he is wearing. Use of light and dark are extraordinary. Stark and yet soft as the man himself. Bravo, Chris.

front cover issue #38, 1st edition by Chris Soto: -- "He is handsome, mysterious, alien, strong. He is just Spock. What a wonderful portrait -- one of the best I've ever seen!"

"Very beautiful Spock. So quiet and strong. Perfect pace, Striking pose. Excellent light-and-darkness. Something about it invites me to get lost in contemplation."

"An absolutely lovely rendition of Spock sitting pensively, long fingers steepled characteristically in front of him. Such an intriguing, serious face as he looks off into the distance. The use of dark shadow and background contrasted against the light face is superbly done- This is filled with emotion, seemingly quiet and serene, but one senses the fire underneath! A stunning use of black and white and probably one of my favorites of Chris Soto's work. I say probably because there's so much to choose from.

Another fan wrote in in her Shore Leave convention report that when she met Chris Soto she embraced "her so enthusiastically that we almost fell over. Then, buying at auction a print of her Spock from the cover of FT 38. This is my second favorite piece of Soto art. The first being the original."

First Time 38 was published in 1994 and contains 166 pages. It has art by Shelley Butler, Deeb, DEW, Chris Soto.

inside page from #38, sample text, title page

• The Perfect Gift by Karla Kelly ("Kirk is looking for the perfect Christmas gift for Spock and finally decides on the gift of himself.") (4)
• Virus by Royal Stewart Montgomery ("Spock is intentional exposed to a deadly virus by an unknown crew person.") (14)
• Stardust, poem by Robin Hood (40)
• One Damn Lucky Bastard by Brianna Falken ("Kirkʼs unremembered wet-dreams hold the key to the continuous retransference between himself and Janice Lesterʼs body long after she should have been able to cause it.") (42)
• There is No Luck, poem by Robin Hood (64)
• Three Faces of Spock, poem by Robin Hood (67)
• The Captain's Needs by Quilla S. Pongee ("On the anniversary of Gary Mitchellʼs death, McCoy asks Spock to stay with the Captain.") (68)
• Worth My Life, poem by Robin Hood (99)
• Personal Property by Rosemarie Heaton ("Spock helps a fellow unbonded Vulcan through pon farr and when he runs into him again at a starbase, the Vulcan returns the favor by helping Spock get Kirk as his lover.") (100)
• Safe Haven, poem by Robin Hood (123)
• Echoes of Forever by Kathy Stanis ("While in the past of the 1930ʼs, Kirk and Spock see a 3rd timeline in the tricorder, one in which they remain in the past and help create a better world as bondmates.") (124)
• The Passion of Their Destiny by Shelley Butler ("The Vians torture Kirk and Spock in order to get them to reveal their “passion”.") (148)

• 

  from issue #38, artist is Deeb for "The Perfect Gift" -- "Great picture of Kirk and Spock kissing under the mistletoe! It accompanies the very cute Karla Kelly story, “The Perfect Gift”. Or maybe Kirk and Spock are just about to kiss - both have their mouths open with the lips just touching. I like the way Kirk’s hand is resting on Spock’s throat, and Spock’s hand is in Kirk’s hair."

• 

  from issue #38, artist is Deeb for "One Damn Lucky Bastard" -- "Well, if you want to get your heart rate up, look at this picture, which accompanies Brianna’s story. It shows Kirk in a wanton, inviting pose. He’s on his stomach, left leg drawn up a bit, testicles partly shown, and arms clutching a pillow as if to brace himself for what is to come. (Ahem.) Very erotic picture. It does not perfectly illustrate the action in the story, since Kirk is on his back when Spock takes him there, but the way the story is going, I’m sure they’ll get around to this position soon!"

• 

  from issue #38, artist is Shelley Butler for "Echoes of Forever" - the art is titled Plaid, see comments there

• 

  from issue #38, artist is Deeb for "The Captain's Needs" -- "Oh, my lucky stars! Here I am once again attempting to verbalize how much excitement and enjoyment I derive from a piece of art (I'm not sure if I mean the whole picture or the most tantalizing penis I believe I've ever seen!) Both are exquisite! Spock has a very youthful looking face, but who can linger there long enough to truly appreciate the face? What a prize-winning piece of equipment! Long and sturdy and perfectly formed—Thank you, thank you, DEEB. It's a wonder Kirk ever makes it to the bridge!"
  
  "Well, if the picture on page 62 was for Kirkophiles, this picture will cause all the Spockophiles to swoon dead away! Whoa, my goodness me. Yummy, yummy, yummy! My K/S friends know that I find Kirk to be more attractive, but if Leonard Nimoy looked like this then I might have to consider changing my opinion! (Well, maybe I would let him tie with Kirk in my affections.) This is a nude of Spock on his knees. A supremely well endowed Spock, I might add! What I like about this picture is that it is an idealized representation of Spock that I find believable. I just don’t buy the pictures of Spock I sometimes see where he is rippling with muscles. Leonard Nimoy has that long, lean physique that I don’t think can ever look like a body builder. I have a friend with a build like Nimoy’s (tall and slender) and he went to the gym for six months once with a man who had a build more like Shatner’s (shorter and more compact.) My friend was quite chagrined when after both diligently worked out for six months, his friend had muscles everywhere while he hardly looked any different. This picture of Spock is more muscular than Nimoy was in the series, but in a believable fashion. The shoulders are a bit broader, so the waist is a little more defined, and the arms are also a little more muscular. For the long, lean body type, this picture is just about perfect. (In my opinion, of course. I know lots of fans love a rippling with muscles Spock, but it’s just not to my tastes.)"

• 

  from issue #38, artist is Deeb "Three times Spock: the warrior -- sensuous and passionate, the Mirror Spock -- dark and powerful, the young Spock of our universe -- shy and innocent. What lovely idea to show them all in one picture!"
  
  "Masterpieces was the first word that came to my mind, done with so much love."
  
  "This third picture is very different in technique from the first two (or it looks that way to my untrained eye). It accompanies Robin’s “Three Faces of Spock” poem, and so is divided into three parts. The background is entirely black around the pictures of Spock presented here. Great representation of the side view of an AU warrior Spock (sexy braid and earring) on the left. In the middle is a head on picture of the mirror Spock looking appropriately menacing and sinister. To the right is our Spock, face partly hidden, looking pensive and thoughtful. I loved seeing three faces of Spock in one picture like this."

• 

  from issue #38, artist is DEW for the story "Virus"

• 

  from issue #38, Chris Soto

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 38

See reactions and reviews for One Damn Lucky Bastard.

See reactions and reviews for Echoes of Forever.

See reactions and reviews for The Captain's Needs.

See reactions and reviews for The Perfect Gift.

See reactions and reviews for Personal Property.

See reactions and reviews for Virus.

See reactions and reviews for the art, Plaid.

[Three Faces of Spock: poetry (Robin Hood) and art (Deeb)]: Exquisite! Each separately, and especially together. The drawings are perfection; the poetry adds even more life to them. I love the way the poem depicts that these are three faces of Spock as seen by Kirk, and of course he loves them all.

[poetry]: I am going to be presumptuous and bend the old rules just for this LOC. I want to comment on more than just one poem of Robin's. There has never really been a place to say how very much I have always loved all her poetry. I've always really been sparked by her "First Time" pieces on the cover pages inside each zine. It's fascinating that each time she can make such magic with so few words- Each time really is like the first time, and she has expressed exactly that 38 different ways so far! Also, all the other unacknowledged poetry she slips in at the ends of stories a few choice words, always so apt. Brilliant little gems. And the actual poems of hers in FT38 I appreciated as much as any I have ever read of hers. In particular, "Safe Haven" and "Haven't you ached.... They are very moving; there is a beautiful depth, strength and intensity, and a slipping out of bounds - exactly what we like poetry to do. I read them over and over.

[art by Deeb]: Well, when rereading First Time 38 before I wrote my LOC on Brianna Falken’s story for this issue, I noticed once again all the great art by Deeb in the zine. Deeb is one of the artists whose work I really enjoy, but I’ve never written any LOC’s to tell her that. I really enjoyed all of her art within the zine, so decided to write some comments on all of the drawings… Great job on all of these pictures, Deeb!

Issue 39

back cover of issue #39, 1st edition Shelley Butler, se comments on Bathing Spock, winner of a 1999 STIFfie Award

front cover of issue #39, Shelley Butler, see comments on Black Leather

sample text, first page of "T'Impara's Story"

First Time 39 was published in July 1994 and contains 160 pages.

The covers are by Shelley Butler. The interior art is by DEW and Fiona Graves.

• A Soul in Chains, fiction by Malena Williams ("After the fal tor pan, Kirk attempts suicide when Spock doesnʼt remember their bonding, unaware that the breaking of the bond is the cause of his pain.") (6)
• Stranded in Shadow, poem by Robin Hood (73)
• T'Impara's Story, fiction by Karla Kelly ("The transporter splits Spock into two, one female, one male when Spock, thinking himself dying, projects his thoughts of how Kirk could love him.") (74)
• Alien Love, poem by Lee Owers Sansome (79)

• And Then Those Words, poem by Lee Owers Sansome (80)
• Bright Promise, fiction by Pandora H. ("TʼPau orders the healer to hold back Spockʼs memories of his 7-year affair with Kirk during the fal tor pan, which causes complications for McCoy.") (82)
• Doubt, poem by Patt (116)
• Return, poem by Patt (117)
• Logic on Fire, fiction by Ellen Thacher ("When Spock is captured and almost raped, he and Kirk use the newly installed holodeck to confront the problems Spock is having with unresolved emotions.") (118)
• The Longest Night - Kay Wells ("When Spockʼs 2 months on a research project becomes 6, Kirk volunteers for the opening when a member is injured.") (134)
• Frantic Time, poem by Robin Hood (not listed in the table of contents) (159)
• Chastisement, poem by Patt (not listed in the table of contents) (160)

• 

  from issue #39, Fiona Graves

• 

  from issue #39, DEW for "The Longest Night"

• 

  from issue #39, Fiona Graves for "Logic on Fire"

• 

  from issue #39, DEW for "A Soul in Chains" (not credited in the table of contents) -- "Extraordinary! Absolutely fascinatingly alive. So unique! An economy of lines, but such vitality. I have stared for hours."
  
  "A stunning illustration of Kirk and Spock in a vibrant embrace that just seems to leap off the page. If most drawings capture a unique and separate moment in time, then this has to be a motion picture. I so easily visualized what came before and ... what will come after. Kirk is just so ... Kirk. Powerful, dynamic, passionate, and most definitely in charge. And Spock doesn't seem to mind at all. Words fail, but the drawing doesn't. I adore it!"

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 39

See reactions and reviews for Bright Promise.

See reactions and reviews for A Soul in Chains.

See reactions and reviews for The Longest Night.

See reactions and reviews for Logic on Fire.

See reactions and reviews for T'Impara's Story.

See reactions and reviews for the art, Black Leather.

See reactions and reviews for the art, Bathing Spock.

[zine]: It was truly a difficult decision on which Merry Men Press zine I chose to review. Which of the consistently fine publications do I laud my praises upon? Lest one think this is some sort of mutual admiration society, think again. It is common knowledge, by now, that Robin Hood is one of fandom's finest publishers. Her always on time, varied and excellent zines speak for themselves.

I chose First Time 39 as my example because as the artist whose work is on the cover and back cover, I feel I am most qualified (perhaps most critical is more like it) to judge the quality of the reproduction. And most concerned because that's my drawing on the cover being sold all over the world!

This one is a beauty. Robin cares how the artwork looks and good glossy paper is used and I really like the clean, strong type of binding. The interior art is paid attention to as well. The only thing that would enhance it would be to leave the back of the page blank.

Baring some of those ubiquitous typos, the typeface is simple and highly readable with more decorative type used for the poems.

The stories are varied and interesting, with always appreciated new authors (of which Robin treats caringly and is often first to publish) and accomplished ones as well. I can't remember an issue where I felt cheated or that it was a waste of money.

[zine]: As usual, there is plenty of reading in this issue of the long-running series. A Soul in Chains by Malena Williams is set after The Search for Spock. Kirk is suffering from the Mah-lah, the Desolation caused by a broken bond, in such despair that he attempts suicide. Saved by McCoy, he then learns that the the Klingons are hunting the Bird of Prey, so in order to lure them awav from Vulcan he takes off alone in the ship, but is captured and subjected to the Mindsifter. Spock recovers his memory of the bond, and uses the link to seek his mate. In Tlmparas Story, by Karla Kelly, a transporter malfunction creates a female duplicate of Spock, an image from the Vulcan's subconscious that he believes his Captain could love. The story is told by the duplicate, who knows herself created to love Kirk, but who is also aware that the two must be reunited. Bright Promise, by Pandora H, also deals with the aftermath of Search for Spock. Because of the closeness he experienced hosting Spock's katra, McCoy is determined to bond with Spock. Kirk convinces Spock that T'Pau arranged for his memories of their own bonding to be erased during the fal tor pan. T'Lar returns Spock's memories, and this in turn frees McCoy from the need to love Spock. In Logic on Fire, by Ellen Thatcher, Spock uses the holodeck to exorcise painful memories, and reveal his love for Kirk. The Longest Night, by Kay Wells, has Spock off the Enterprise for six months as part of a scientific survey team. Kirk arranges to be part of the team, and the time together reveals some changes in their relationship. This issue has a good mix of themes, and although there are some explicit scenes the stories are strong enough to be interesting in their own right. There is some rather nice artwork; I particularly liked the delicate Kirk and Spock portraits by Fiona Graves. The covers are by Shelley Butler, a waist-length nude Spock and a rather sultry Kirk wearing a leather jacket. There is also a selection of poetry, notably Alien Love, bv Lee Owers Sansome who has recently returned to writing after a too-long absence.

[art on page 15 by DEW]: Extraordinary! Absolutely fascinatingly alive. So unique! An economy of lines, but such vitality. I have stared for hours.

Issue 40

front cover issue #40, 1st ed by Caren Parnes -- see fan comments at Intergalactic Gallery

back cover of issue #40, Caren Parnes -- see fan comments at Intergalactic Gallery

cover of issue #40, second edition

First Time 40 was published in October 1994 and contains 158 pages.

The covers are by Caren Parnes. The interior art is by Shelley Butler and Chris Soto.

From the editorial:

Well, you saw the cover — so what did you think?? Nice, eh? Yeah. An understatement. Caren Parnes — once again, arms and fingers twisted by this nasty, persistent, pleading, begging, insistent editor. Aren’t you glad I’m such a ...

A lovely picture by Shelley Butler, one by Chris Soto as well. A looonnnggg story by Kathy Stanis (getting wordy, ain’t she?), a novel twist on an old story by Kate Sheridan, the usual, delightful story by Ms. Kelly, a snippet by Ms. Manhill, and some solid meat, er, substantial plot from Ms. Butler.

Hopefully this will satisfy as we always hope it does.

WHERE ANGELS FEAR ... by Pandora Guy (K/S novel) is now in print, as well as Playfellows 7, so get those hot little checkbooks out and get busy!

Don’t forget the LOC’s. Somewhere, don’t care where, but we have to hear from you!

• A Surprising Day, fiction by Karla Kelly ("During a diplomatic dinner on a hedonistic society, Kirkʼs arousal is amplified by the recent confession of love between him and Spock.") (4)
• The Missing Piece, fiction by Kathy Stanis ("An unpleasant experience with a former lover causes Spock to hesitate as he and Kirk move closer to becoming lovers themselves, and then Spock starts receiving messages over his computer from an unknown source.") (10)
• Turn, poem by Ciana Mitchell (82)
• Sing the Tune, fiction by Kate Sheridan ("Kirk is surprised and a bit unsettled when his relationship with Spock is investigated by Vulcan.") (84)
• Teeny Weeny, fiction by Mildred Manhill ("Kirk tries to convince Spock to wear special swimwear.") (100)
• “Deepest Secrets, fiction by Shelley Butler ("Spock’s odd behavior, and Kirk’s erotic dreams of his first officer, cause problems while the two men are on a diplomatic mission to Orion.") (102)
• Slaves, poem by H.R. Radei (inside back cover)

• 

  from issue #40, Shelley Butler - "Kirk and Spock before a viewscreen. Kirk, one hand on the table, his weight obviously on one hip, listening over his shoulder to Spock, behind him. Spock's face, Spock's whole being, focused intently on Kirk, as always. Such expressive qualities in the faces. Ms. Butler's virtually flawless pencil technique. Need I say more? Well, just one thing. Look at the figure of Spock for a few seconds, and you'll almost see him moving, embracing Kirk. I can see it in his eyes, like he's just about to do it. All Kirk has to do is just turn around. And he is already turning .... Shelley makes K/S come to life."

• 

  from issue #40, Chris Soto

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 40

See reactions and reviews for The Missing Piece.

See reactions and reviews for Sing the Tune.

See reactions and reviews for Deepest Secrets.

See reactions and reviews for A Surprising Day.

See reactions and reviews for Teeny Weeny.

See reactions and reviews for the art, Intergalactic Gallery.

[Turn]: Such a special poem by one of my very favorite authors. In just two pages Ciana as told a whole story of love and unfulfilled desire, Kirk sits in his command chair and wishes for Spock to turn to him and see the love he feels. This reminds me of Leslie Fish's classic filk, "Turn and Believe" originally written from Christine's viewpoint. Needless to say, I have long since replaced Christine with Kirk in my head whenever I hear it. Now Ciana has given me a very satisfying end to it. Thank you, Ciana.